Hope House
Hope House was founded in October of 1981 by Tom Leonhardt when he was still a Jesuit. In 1983, Carolyn Horvath, (at that time a member of Companions of the Redeemer), became its director. Hope House was meant to be a space where folks could spend quiet time, make personal retreats either as individuals or as groups, receive spiritual direction, attend programs, participate in worship services, discuss books, whatever might contribute to people’s personal growth.
During the years there were gatherings of small prayer/growth groups, discussions and trainings in non-violence, experiences of the creation spiritual tradition through the Book Original Blessing by Matthew Fox, Dance Circles celebrating Dances of Universal Peace, Eucharistic liturgies created by the presider or a group of presiders. Liturgies are fully participative, using inclusive language, with presiding by whomever wishes. No ordained person is required here. Hope House currently hosts the Emmaus Community, a Eucharistic Community which gathers on Sunday mornings at 10:00am, a Buddhist Sangha called Flowing Water, which gathers on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm, Circle of Light Reiki Guild, which meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month from 7-9pm. Reiki Circle is preceded by 30 minutes of sitting meditation for any who wish to join. Periodically folks gather for a Dance Circle celebrating Dances of Universal Peace. Also, occasionally Hope House hosts a teaching and attunement for Reiki for folks wishing Reiki attunement.
Since Hope House is the #1 unit in a four unit flat, there is a chapel, a reading/meeting room, bedroom, office, restroom and kitchen. So guests are able, if they wish, to spend overnights. Though for two years, Hope House was located in a full house across the street from its current location, it is again in its original location.
Hope House is open to seekers from any authentic spiritual tradition. Though, when it was founded it was Roman Catholic, that is no longer the case.
On October 1st (Saturday) and October 2nd (Sunday), 2011, we will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Hope House. 1-3pm on Saturday and 10am Emmaus Liturgy followed by upen house till 30m. Hope you can come.
